Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, March 5

DAMASCUS -- UN aid convoys started entering rebel-held areas in the Eastern Ghouta countryside of Damascus on Monday, the first aid shipment to enter that area since a Russian-backed humanitarian pause went into force seven days ago.

Up to 46 truckloads of aid entered the Douma district in Eastern Ghouta through the Wafidin crossing northeast of Damascus. (Syria-Aid-Eastern Ghouta)

- - - -

TEHRAN -- A senior Iranian security official said Monday that the missile program of the Islamic republic is not a threat to any country.

Iran will boost its defensive power including the missile capabilities, and its deterrent plan will not be affected by the political pressures, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said. (Iran-missile)

- - - -

RAMALLAH -- Palestinian government approved on Monday a number of law amendments and regulations that empower women to practice civil rights, ahead of international women's day.

A set of laws have been amended and a new law amendment has been submitted to President Mahmoud Abbas to put an end to decreased punitive measures for those indicted of women honor killing, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said in a public announcement. (Palestinians-Women)

- - - -

TRIPOLI -- The Libyan eastern-based army on Monday denied local reports about an assassination attempt on General Abdarrazag al-Nathuri, the commander of the joint security chamber of the eastern city Benghazi.

Head of the army's media center, Sirajuddin al-Majbri, issued a brief statement denying targeting al-Nathuri. (Libya-Commander of Eastern Army-Assassination)

- - - -

ANKARA -- Turkey officially demanded the arrest and extradition of former Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) leader Salih Muslim from Germany, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Monday.

Turkey sent the files to Berlin on Friday, the government spokesperson Bekir Bozdag said. (Turkey-Germany-Former PYD Leader) Enditem